Tag Archives: The Traveller

An old man goes searching for adventure and finds more than he bargained for in a classic Indian tale for readers both young and old. As old Raaheeji leaves his comfortable home for the jungle beyond he happens upon a tiger. The tiger imprisoned in an ancient cage begs to be released and promises he will not eat the man in return for his help. However upon release the tiger immediately revokes his promise calling the man a fool for believing him. The man’s fate in the end will lie in the hands of a banyan tree, a buffalo, a road and a very clever jackal. Will the man ever return to his home or will he forever be known as a fool?

The Traveller, The Tiger and the Very Clever Jackalis abeautifully written and elegantly illustrated work that brings the beauty of India and the art of the folk tale to life. Combining the best of a well-written traditional story with gorgeous illustrations, Reshma Sapre and Jessica Lian create a picture book that is perfect for reading alone or out loud to children of a wide variety of ages. The elegant artwork shines as brightly as the writing as Lian brings characters such as the banyan tree to life with subtle detail and well-designed personification. The book shines as a must have international contribution to any library whether personal or public.

Sun, Moon and Wind are all invited to a feast to celebrate the coming of the monsoon. They are each asked to bring something back to their mother Star of the North Sky since she will light the way for them. However not everyone remembers to do so. Only one of her children will be rewarded for their loyalty when they return. In a classic folktale about how the Sun, Moon and Wind got their place, Reshma Sapre continues to delight with time-honored tales from the land of India.

In the Indian Night Skyis a classically written folk tale creating a magical explanation for the nature of the sky. Children will delight in its beautiful black ink pages with silver metallic and primary color drawings that jump off the page. Illustrator Jayme Robinson has taken a modern approach in the artwork for this picture book that contrasts nicely in some ways with the text and somewhat oddly in others. While the color scheme pops for the reader some of the objects pictured seem to clash with the very traditional wording of the story. In the end while the mix of modern and traditional seems a novel idea the art comes across as slightly inconsistent.

In the end Sapre’s amazing rhythm and ability to create that traditional wording and atmosphere save this picture book and make it one worth reading.